Accidents Quote by John Ashbery
“I think that in the process of writing, all kinds of unexpected things happen that shift the poet away from his plan and that these accidents are really what we mean when we talk about poetry.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Poetry, 1995
Poetic accidents redirect intention, revealing poetry’s true essence.
In simple terms: Unexpected events shape poetry.
Key Takeaway
Embrace serendipity in writing.
Themes
creativity
process
uncertainty
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative retreats
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
chance
intentionality
artistic discovery
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance planning and spontaneity?
- What role do accidents play in your work?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on accidents may dilute purpose.
